Holiday Safety Tips for Your Dog: Keeping the Season Merry and Bright
The holiday season brings festive decorations, delicious smells, and bustling schedules. While it’s a magical time for us, it can be full of temptations and risks for our furry companions. To ensure a safe and joyful holiday season, we’ve compiled tips to help you and your pup navigate the holidays stress-free.
Deck the Halls—Safely
Your Christmas tree might be the centerpiece of your holiday decor, but to your dog, it’s an exciting new playground. Here’s how to keep your tree and pup safe:
Say No to Tinsel: Tinsel is shiny, tempting, and dangerous if swallowed. Avoid it entirely.
Strategic Ornaments: Place fragile or enticing ornaments higher up, out of paw’s reach.
Supervised Introductions: Be present when your dog meets the tree. Never leave them alone with it.
Reinforce Commands: Use commands like “Leave it” to set boundaries from the start. Consistency is key—don’t let them tug on ornaments just because it’s cute.
Leash Training: If your dog is overly curious, keep them on a leash to redirect behavior.
Real vs. Artificial Trees: Real trees can be more challenging with tempting water, sticky sap, and intriguing smells. Consider an artificial tree for fewer distractions.
Baby Gates: For extra protection, consider placing a baby gate around the tree to create a barrier for curious pets.
No Edible Gifts Under the Tree: Avoid putting gift-wrapped foods or candies under the tree to prevent temptation and accidental ingestion.
Leash Training:
If your dog is overly curious, keep them on a leash to redirect behavior.
Mind the Menu
Holiday feasts bring an abundance of smells, but not all treats are dog-friendly. Keep these in mind:
No Table Scraps: Turkey bones, gravy, and rich foods can cause digestive issues or worse.
Avoid Toxic Foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and ham are common holiday foods that can be harmful to dogs. Ham is especially a leading cause of pancreatitis during the holidays.
Secure Trash Bins: Ensure leftovers and scraps are out of reach.
Hazard-Free Holiday Cheer
Decorations can pose unique risks. Here’s how to keep them festive yet safe:
Lights,
Cords, and Wires:
Keep lights out of reach. Tape down or cover electrical cords to prevent chewing.
Candles and Lights: Place them high up and out of reach. Opt for flameless candles for added safety.
Cords and Wires: Tape down or cover electrical cords to prevent chewing.
Gift Wrapping Supplies: Ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper scraps can be choking hazards—clean up promptly.
Create a Calm Environment
Holidays can be busy and overwhelming for your dog. Help them stay relaxed with these tips:
Safe Spaces: Set up a quiet, comfortable spot for your dog to retreat if things get too hectic.
Stick to Their Routine: As much as possible, maintain their regular feeding, walking, and rest schedules.
Watch for Stress Signals: If your dog seems anxious, offer reassurance and consider calming techniques.
Be Prepared for Guests
If you’re hosting holiday gatherings, your dog might need a little extra attention:
Greet Guests Calmly: Remind visitors to allow your dog to approach them first.
Watch the Door: Keep an eye on your dog to prevent unexpected escapes when guests arrive or leave.
Plan for Alone Time: If your dog needs a break from the excitement, let them rest in a separate room or crate.
Plan for Alone Time:
If your dog needs a break from the excitement, let them rest in a separate room or crate.
Thoughtful Gift Giving for Pets
If you plan to include your dog in holiday gift exchanges, keep safety in mind:
Supervise Play: Always supervise playtime with new toys or bones to ensure they’re safe and appropriate.
Don’t Overdo Treats: Limit new treats to prevent upset stomachs or overindulgence.
The holidays are a time for joy, and with a little preparation, you can ensure your dog enjoys the season too. Whether it’s avoiding tinsel or keeping the turkey out of reach, these tips will help you and your pup have a safe and happy holiday.
Have any holiday tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below!
Happy Holidays from all of us at Service Dogs Alabama! 🎄🐾
